President Trump to Award Presidential Medal of Freedom to Olympic Hockey Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck

US President Donald Trump announced during his 2026 State of the Union address that Olympic hockey goaltender Connor Hellebuyck will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor. Hellebuyck, a 32-year-old Michigan native and NHL player for the Winnipeg Jets, made 41 saves to help Team USA win its first Olympic men's hockey gold in 46 years at the Milan-Cortina Winter Games. Trump praised Hellebuyck's performance and introduced the US men's hockey team, which received a standing ovation in Congress.